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Overview

Malaria RDTs, based on lateral flow technology, are the only practical way of
providing such diagnosis on a wide scale in most endemic areas, as microscopy is difficult to sustain
outside major centres. However, wide variations in RDT product quality underscore the need for a
product testing and QA scheme that will ensure the suitability of RDTs for wide-scale use. A
previous consultation in Manila in 2004 outlined a development plan for quality assurance for RDTs,
including specimen banks and product testing, lot testing and methods for use at a village health
worker level.

This document updates recommendations from a follow-up informal consultation on the
development of methods for testing malaria RDTs held in Geneva, Switzerland from 28 February to 2
March 2006 and in Kisumu, Kenya, from 22 to 23 June 2006.